Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
August 23, 2025, marksStar WarsDay when fans come together to celebrate the iconic space opera franchise. However, not all aspects of the franchise are equally adored by fans. Such an occasion calls for an examination of certain creative choices that ended up being for the worse, such as the redemption of Kylo Ren in the sequels.
Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren was built up as an antagonistic force for the Disney-produced sequel trilogy, which polarized the fanbase. Part of the reason for the divisive reaction was an ineffective storyline across the three films, which included plot points such as Kylo Ren’s redemption. Here is how Kylo Ren’s character arc changed according to Adam Driver and how it screwed up the sequels.
Adam Driver Reveals the Real Character Arc For Kylo Ren in theStar WarsSequels
TheStar Warssequel trilogy introduced viewers to Kylo Ren, the grandson of Darth Vader, played by actorAdam Driver. During an appearance onThe Rich Eisen Show, Driver was asked about his role inStar Warsand disclosed the original arc that had been set up for his character. Driver said:
“I had an overall arc in mind that [JJ Abrams] wanted to do, which then changed, but his idea was almost the opposite journey of Vader.”
Driver went on to explain that Darth Vader was initially confident and committed to the dark side but later became vulnerable after learning about the existence of his twin children. However, Kylo Ren was intended to take the exact opposite path going from being confused to committed to the dark side.
“I made it more exhausting than it should have been”: Adam Driver Found Star Wars Extremely Tiring for 1 Reason Despite Working With Demanding Directors Before
Driver noted that this plan was eventually changed during the making ofThe Rise of Skywalker, which cemented the twist regarding Kylo Ren. Instead, the film explores the concept of a force dyad and leads to Kylo Ren’s redemption. However, this aspect of Kylo Ren’s arc ended up being the most divisive.
Star WarsMay Have Screwed up by Changing Original Plans For Kylo Ren
Kylo Ren’s redemption received mixed reactions from theStar Warsfanbase, particularly because it felt underdeveloped and unearned. As Driver pointed out, the character is initially doubtful and confused about fully embracing the dark side, particularly after an interaction with his father, Han Solo.
However, after Ren kills Han, we see him with Vader’s helmet, which implies his belief in the dark side is becoming stronger by the end ofThe Force Awakens. Similarly, Driver noted how the same idea is pushed forward withThe Last Jedi,where Ren assumes control of the New Order, following Snoke’s demise.
As a result, the change to Kylo Ren’s character arc inThe Rise of Skywalker, undoes the momentum built in previous installments, making his redemption feel unearned. At the same time, viewers see little of Ben Solo in previous installments to empathize with Ren and his change of heart.
“I’m sorry if they don’t like it… Go back and see The Matrix or something”: George Lucas Had a Stone-cold Response to Star Wars Fans Hating on One Movie
In the third film, there is also a lack of motivation for Ren to undergo such a drastic change of perspective regarding the dark side. Ultimately, Kylo Ren’s arc in the sequels was poorly handled and it lacked any sort of cohesion, failing to land the emotional impact of Ren’s redemption. Therefore, theStar Wars sequelsroyally screwed up by altering Ren’s arc.
TheStar Warssequels are streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1775
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
More from Pratik Handore
Brandon Sanderson’s ‘Isles of the Emberdark’ Ending Explained
Seth Rogen Had to Apologize for Comparing Clint Eastwood’s Biggest Movie to Inglourious Basterds
Did Dustin Hoffman Really Slap Meryl Streep in Kramer vs Kramer – Entire Fight Explained
Recommended
Ballad of a Small Player: Everything We Know About the Colin Farrell Movie
These 5 Monster Horror Shows Are Like Alien: Earth, but Better
Brandon Sanderson’s ‘Isles of the Emberdark’ Ending Explained
Aubrey Plaza Says This Miles Teller Horror Movie Defined Her Grief After Husband’s Death
Tobey Maguire And Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man Era Dies In 2027: Reports
George Lucas vs. Steven Spielberg: The Ultimate Showdown of Hollywood’s Richest Directors
Adam Driver
